Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is implementing care for a school-age child admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). Which prescribed intervention should the nurse implement first?

• A. Begin 0.9% saline solution intravenously as prescribed
• B. Administer regular insulin intravenously as prescribed
• C. Place the child on a cardiac monitor
• D. Place the child on a pulse oximetry monitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first intervention when managing a child with diabetic ketoacidosis is to begin intravenous saline solution to address dehydration and restore electrolyte balance. Rehydration is essential to improve perfusion and correct electrolyte imbalances. Administering insulin without addressing dehydration can potentially lead to further complications. Placing the child on a cardiac monitor or pulse oximetry monitor is important but not the initial priority in managing DKA.

2. What should be included in the teaching plan for parents of an infant diagnosed with phenylketonuria (PKU)?

• A. Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.
• B. Testing for PKU is done immediately after birth.
• C. Treatment for PKU includes lifelong dietary management.
• D. PKU is transmitted as an autosomal recessive trait.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Mental retardation occurs if PKU is untreated.' Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a metabolic disorder that results in the inability to metabolize phenylalanine properly. Without proper dietary management, high levels of phenylalanine can lead to severe mental retardation and other neurological problems. Therefore, educating parents about the importance of early and consistent treatment to prevent mental retardation is crucial. Choice B is incorrect because testing for PKU is typically done shortly after birth, not immediately. Choice C is incorrect because treatment for PKU primarily involves strict dietary management to control phenylalanine intake, not lifelong medications. Choice D is incorrect because PKU is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, not as an autosomal dominant gene.

3. Why is it recommended that closure of the palate should be done before the age of 2 for an 11-month-old infant with a cleft palate?

• A. “After the age of 2, surgery becomes frightening and should be avoided if possible.”
• B. “The eruption of the 2-year molars often complicates the surgical procedure.”
• C. “As your child grows older, the palate widens, making repair more challenging.”
• D. “Surgery should be performed before your child begins to use faulty speech patterns.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: It is recommended to perform palate closure surgery before the child starts using faulty speech patterns to prevent the development of speech issues that may be harder to correct later. Delaying surgery until after the age of 2 can lead to the child forming incorrect speech habits, which can be challenging to correct. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not address the specific concern related to speech development in children with cleft palates.

4. The nurse is assessing an infant and notes that the infant's urine has a mousy or musty odor. What would the nurse suspect?

• A. Maple syrup urine disease
• B. Tyrosinemia
• C. Phenylketonuria
• D. Trimethylaminuria

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is suggested by a mousy or musty odor of the urine, which is caused by the inability to metabolize phenylalanine. Choice A, Maple syrup urine disease, is characterized by a sweet-smelling urine. Choice B, Tyrosinemia, typically presents with cabbage-like odor in the urine. Choice D, Trimethylaminuria, is associated with a fishy odor in the urine, breath, and sweat.

5. The healthcare provider notes that a child has lost 8 pounds after 4 days of hospitalization for acute glomerulonephritis. This is most likely the result of

• A. poor appetite
• B. increased potassium intake
• C. reduction of edema
• D. restriction to bed rest

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In acute glomerulonephritis, weight loss is most likely due to the reduction of edema. Edema is a common symptom of glomerulonephritis, which causes fluid retention and swelling in the body. As treatment progresses and the condition improves, the reduction of edema leads to weight loss. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly address the underlying pathophysiology of acute glomerulonephritis and its impact on weight loss.

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